Tractor having a cab riser bracket assembly and an associated method of mounting the bracket assembly on the tractor

ABSTRACT

The tractor includes a frame member mounted in the tractor body and a first mounting member secured to the frame member, the first mounting member including a plurality of first apertures. The tractor also includes a bracket for supporting a cab riser apparatus thereon, the cab riser apparatus being capable of moving the tractor cab relative to the tractor body. The tractor further includes a second mounting member secured to the bracket. The second mounting member including a plurality of second apertures which align with the plurality of first apertures. A method of mounting a bracket onto a frame member of a tractor body is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a tractor having a cab riserbracket assembly and an associated method of mounting the bracketassembly on the tractor.

Material handling machines, such as grapple tractors (hereinafterreferred to as tractors), are typically used in projects which requirethe movement of significant amounts of scrap, such as ferrous materials.These types of tractors generally include a grapple or magnetoperatively linked to a boom and arm. Hereinafter, the boom and arm iscollectively referred to as the grapple arm. The primary function of thegrapple arm is to move the grapple in such a manner that it can graspand transfer the scrap from one location to another. These types oftractors also include a cab that houses the operator and the controlsused to direct the movements of the grapple arm, and therefore thegrapple.

These tractors are often used to load or unload scrap from truck beds orfrom barges. However, using such tractors to perform the aforementionedloading or unloading function has a significant drawback. That is, it isvery difficult for the operator of the tractor to see down into thetruck bed or barge from his or her position in the cab. The operator'sinability to see down into the truck bead or barge impedes his or herability to properly control the movement of the grapple arm and grapple.As a result, the operator's ability to efficiently operate the grapplearm and grapple decreases.

In order to overcome the above described problem, several tractor modelsare constructed to include an adjustable cab riser apparatus. Such anapparatus allows the operator of the tractor to raise the cab to thedesired height above the tractor body. Having the cab positioned at anappropriate height above the tractor body allows the operator to seeinto the truck bed, barge or container being loaded or unloaded, andtherefore facilitates the proper control of the grapple arm and grapple.

Some cab riser apparatus are constructed to include a large unitarybracket member directly welded onto the frame of the tractor body. Theseapparatus also include a hydraulic cylinder and a number of supportarms. The hydraulic cylinder and support arms are connected to thebracket member and a brace. The brace is connected to a platform memberfor supporting the tractor cab. Generally, the aforementioned cab risercomponents are arranged such that the actuation and extension of thehydraulic cylinder causes the brace, platform member, and therefore thetractor cab, to rise above the tractor body to a desired height.However, as will be discussed below, present cab riser apparatus sufferfrom several drawbacks.

One problem with the above described arrangement is that the largeunitary bracket used to mount the above described components isdifficult to fabricate and handle during the construction of the cabrising apparatus. For example, fabricating a large component is morecomplex and costly than fabricating two smaller components. Moreover,once the large unitary bracket used by the prior art is welded onto thetractor body, the body becomes more difficult to handle. For instance,the body becomes cumbersome to move from one location to another withinthe manufacturing facility.

Another problem with certain types of brackets used to mount cab risingapparatus relates to the ease in which they can be mounted onto atractor body. As discussed above, many prior art brackets are directlywelded onto the tractor body. Since these brackets are typically largeand cumbersome, the welding process is difficult. Furthermore, once thebracket is welded onto the body, the bracket's spatial relationship tothe body is fixed. Therefore, no convenient adjustment of the bracket'sposition relative to the body is possible. This is a significantdrawback since, in many cases, adjustment of the bracket is required forthe cab riser apparatus to work properly.

Additional problems with prior art cab riser apparatus include (1) theirinability to be retrofit onto tractor bodies; (2) they are relativelybulky, and thus require a significant amount of space; and (3) they tendto be relatively unstable in the raised position and thus cause the cabto "wobble" or move around during use of the tractor.

Therefore, in light of the above discussion, it is apparent that abracket assembly for mounting a cab rising apparatus which is easy tomanufacture and handle is desirable. The present invention provides sucha bracket assembly. The bracket assembly of the present inventionincludes a relatively small weld group welded onto the frame of thetractor body. The bracket of the bracket assembly is then bolted ontothe weld group, rather than being welded directly to the frame.

In use, the present invention provides a bracket assembly which isrelatively easy to fabricate and handle during the construction of a cabrising apparatus. Moreover, the present invention provides a bracketassembly which allows the position of the bracket to be adjusted aftermounting. In addition, the present invention provides a bracket assemblythat can be retrofit onto tractor bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a tractor having a tractor cab which is movable relative to atractor body. The tractor includes a frame member mounted in the tractorbody and a first mounting member secured to the frame member, the firstmounting member including a plurality of first apertures. The tractoralso includes a bracket for supporting a cab riser apparatus thereon,the cab riser apparatus being capable of moving the tractor cab relativeto the tractor body. The tractor further includes a second mountingmember secured to the bracket. The second mounting member including aplurality of second apertures which align with the plurality of firstapertures.

Pursuant to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a tractor having a tractor cab which is movable relative to atractor body. The tractor includes a frame member mounted in the tractorbody and a first mounting member secured to the frame member. Thetractor also includes a bracket for supporting a cab riser apparatusthereon, the cab riser apparatus being capable of moving the tractor cabrelative to the tractor body. The tractor further includes a secondmounting member secured to the bracket and a mechanism for securing thefirst mounting member to the second mounting member.

Pursuant to still another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a method of mounting a bracket onto a frame member of a tractorbody, with the bracket being used to support a cab riser apparatusthereon. The cab riser apparatus being capable of moving a tractor cabrelative to the tractor body. The method includes the following steps:(1) attaching a first mounting member to the frame member; (2) attachinga second mounting member to the bracket; (3) securing the first mountingmember to the second mounting member at a first orientation; (4)separating the first mounting member from the second mounting memberafter the securing step; and (5) re-securing the first mounting memberto the second mounting member at a second orientation which is differentfrom the first orientation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new anduseful tractor having a cab riser bracket assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedtractor having a cab riser bracket assembly.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new anduseful method of mounting a bracket assembly on the tractor.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved method of mounting a bracket assembly on the tractor.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a cabriser bracket assembly and frame member which is easy to fabricate andhandle during the construction of the tractor.

It is moreover an object of the present invention to provide a cab riserbracket assembly which allows the position of the bracket to be adjustedafter mounting onto a frame member of a tractor body.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a cabriser bracket assembly that includes a bracket which can be retrofitonto a frame member of the tractor.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description andattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tractor having a tractor cablocated at a first position relative to a tractor body whichincorporates the features of the present invention therein;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tractor of FIG. 1, with thetractor cab located at a second position relative to the tractor body;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a tractor cab risingapparatus which is utilized in the tractor of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a hydraulic cylinder of the tractorcab rising apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bracket member of the tractor cabrising apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a frame member of the tractor ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 8 which shows therelationship between the frame member of FIG. 8 and the bracket memberof FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by wayof example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit theinvention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a tractor 10 with itsgrapple arm removed for clarity of description. The tractor 10 includesa body 11, a cab 12, a cab rising apparatus 14, a chassis 20, and anumber of wheels 18. A pedestal member 22 is disposed on the chassis 20,and supports the cab 12 and the body 11.

The tractor 10 is shown with the cab 12 in a normal position in FIG. 1.More specifically, the cab 12 is in a normal position when it has notbeen raised relative to the body 11. In FIG. 2, the tractor 10 is shownwith the cab 12 in a raised position. More specifically, the cab 12 isshown spaced apart from the body 11 at a location above the body 11.

The cab 12 defines a housing in which an operator of the tractor 10sits. The cab 12 includes a substantially planar platform member 13 andis fastened thereto. The platform member 13 includes a support member34. The support member 34 has a brace 32 mounted thereto. The brace 32couples the cab 12 to the cab rising apparatus 14 as shall be describedin more detail below.

The cab 12 further includes a light assembly 17. The light assembly 17includes a known headlight and a known turn signal, thereby allowing thetractor 10 to be operated legally on a public street in some countries,if necessary.

A portion of a body panel 15 has been removed from the body 11 in FIGS.1 and 2 in order to more clearly show the cab rising apparatus 14. Thecab rising apparatus 14 includes a bracket member 24, a pair of supportarms 28, 30, and a hydraulic cylinder 26.

A frame member 16 is horizontally disposed along the lower edge of thebody 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shall be discussed in detailbelow, the bracket member 24 is connected to the frame member 16 inorder to couple the cab 12 to the body 11.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the cab riser apparatus 14 is shown in moredetail. In particular, the support arm 28 is pivotally coupled at afirst end to the bracket member 24 by a pin joint 24a, and at a secondend to the brace 32 by a pin joint 32a. Similarly, the support arm 30 ispivotally coupled at a first end to the bracket member 24 by a pin joint24b, and at a second end to the brace 32 by a pin joint 32b.

The pin joint 32a is arranged above the pin joint 32b as shown in FIG.3. A dashed line 32c connects the center points of the pin joints 32aand 32b, and is provided for illustrative purposes. Likewise, the pinjoint 24a is arranged above the pin joint 24b as shown in FIG. 3. Adashed line 24c connects the center points of the pin joints 24a and24b, and is provided for illustrative purposes.

The cab riser apparatus 14 is a parallel linkage apparatus. That is, thesupport arms 28 and 30 and the lines 24c and 32c form a parallelogram.In this arrangement, support arms 28 and 30 will always be parallel toone another. Likewise, the lines 24c and 32c will always be parallel toone another. The line 32c is perpendicular to the platform member 13, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theplatform member 13 remains substantially horizontal relative to theframe member 16 as the cab 12 is raised up and lowered down.

The cab rising apparatus 14 is relatively compact. More specifically, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cab rising apparatus does not utilize asignificant portion of the overall length of the tractor 10. Thisfeature is particularly useful in that more usable area of the tractor10 is available for other components, e.g. the engine, than is availablein tractors which contain cab rising apparatus which are not as compact.

The hydraulic cylinder 26 is used in the cab riser apparatus 14 in orderto raise the cab 12. The hydraulic cylinder is shown in more detail inFIG. 4. The hydraulic cylinder 26 includes a head end 26a and a rod end26b. Moreover, the hydraulic cylinder 26 includes a piston 50, a rod 51,and a housing 53. A hole 54 is defined in the housing 53 such that thehead end 26a may be connected to the pin joint 24a as shown in FIG. 3.Moreover, a hole 48 is defined in a first end of the rod 51 as shown inFIG. 4 such that the rod end 26b may be connected to the pin joint 32bas shown in FIG. 3.

The rod 51 is connected at a second end to the piston 50. The hydrauliccylinder 26 includes a first fluid area 52 and a second fluid area 55which each contain a volume of a hydraulic fluid (not shown) therein.Moreover, a pair of couplings 58 and 62 are defined in the housing 53.The couplings 58 and 62 are connected to a fluid pump and reservoir (notshown) via a pair of fluid lines 60 and 64, respectively, in order toprovide for the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the fluid areas52 and 55, respectively.

In order to raise the cab 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2), hydraulic fluid is pumpedunder pressure into the fluid area 52 via the fluid line 60, therebyexerting a force on a rod-side surface 50b, i.e. the side correspondingto the rod end 26b, of the piston 50.

When the force applied to the rod-side surface 50b is sufficient inmagnitude, the piston 50, and therefore the rod 51, is urged in thegeneral direction of the arrow A of FIG. 4. As the piston 50 moves inthe general direction of the arrow A, the rod 51 is retracted into thehousing 53.

In order to lower the cab 12, hydraulic fluid is pumped under pressureinto the fluid area 55 via the fluid line 64, thereby exerting a forceon a head-side surface 50a, i.e. the side corresponding to the head end26a, of the piston 50. When the force applied to the head-side surface50a is sufficient in magnitude, the piston 50, and therefore the rod 51,is urged in the general direction of the arrow B of FIG. 4, therebycausing the rod 51 to protrude more fully from the housing 53, and thuslowering the cab 12 to its normal position as shown in FIG. 1.

Therefore, when the cab riser apparatus 14 is in its normal (i.e.lowered) position, as shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic cylinder 26 is at amaximum extension. More specifically, the rod 51 is fully protrudingfrom the housing 53. However, when the cab riser apparatus 14 is in theraised position, as in FIG. 2, the hydraulic cylinder 26 is at a minimumextension. More specifically, the rod 51 is fully retracted into thehousing 53.

The aforementioned configuration, wherein the hydraulic cylinder 26 isin a retracted position when the cab 12 is in a raised position,enhances the stability of cab riser apparatus 14. In particular, the cab12, while in the raised position, is less likely to move or "wobble" dueto forces encountered during the use of the tractor 10.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that additional hydrauliccylinders may be added to the cab riser apparatus 14. In particular, asecond hydraulic cylinder could be connected to the bracket member 24 inthe same configuration as the hydraulic cylinder 26, i.e. the secondhydraulic cylinder is in a retracted position when the cab 12 is in araised position. However, the second hydraulic cylinder may be locatedon the side of the bracket 24 opposite the hydraulic cylinder 26. Theaddition of the second hydraulic cylinder may increase the amount oflifting force generated by the cab rising apparatus 14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown the bracket member 24 of the cabriser apparatus 14 with the support arms 28, 30 and the hydrauliccylinder 26 removed therefrom. The bracket member 24 has a pair of holes38 and 40 defined therein. The hole 38 accommodates the pin joint 24a ofFIG. 3, whereas the hole 40 accommodates the pin joint 24b of FIG. 3.

The bracket member 24 further includes a flange 42. The flange 42 may beintegrated into the bracket member 24, or it may be a separate componentmechanically fastened, i.e. welded, to the bracket member 24. The flange42 has a plurality of holes 36 defined therein. The holes 36 are used tobolt, or similarly fasten, the bracket member 24, and therefore the cab12 via the support arms 28, 30, to the frame member 16 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Providing a bracket member 24 which is separate from the frame member 16prior to final assembly simplifies the manufacturing process of thetractor 10. In particular, it is simpler to fabricate a separate framemember 16, and subsequently bolt the bracket member 24 thereto, then itis to fabricate a frame member 16 with an integrated bracket member 24.Moreover, as shall be discussed in more detail below, the use of aseparate, discrete bracket member 24 allows manufacturing flexibility inthat a common frame member 16 can be used, with only minor modificationsthereof needed, in both a tractor which includes an optional cab risingfeature, and a tractor which does not include such a feature.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a fragmentary side elevationalview of the tractor 10. In particular, there is shown the frame member16. Connected to the frame member 16 is a mating flange 44. The matingflange 44 is substantially similar to the flange 42 of the bracketmember 24 of FIG. 5. The mating flange 44 has a plurality of holes 45defined therein. The holes 45 receive bolts, or similar fasteners, inorder to couple the flange 42 to the mating flange 44. The mating flange44 is positioned adjacent to a frame support member 43 as shown in FIG.6. The mating flange 44 is welded to the frame support member 43 and theframe member 16 as discussed below.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines 7--7 of FIG. 6 asviewed in the direction of the arrows. Moreover, FIG. 8 is a crosssectional view taken along the lines 8--8 of FIG. 7 as viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the frame support member 43 which couples the framemember 16 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) to a second frame member 56. Theframe member 56 is identical to the frame member 16 and is disposedparallel thereto, thereby cooperating with the frame member 16 and theframe support member 43 to form the main supporting elements of the body11 and the grapple arm (not shown).

The mating flange 44 is secured to the frame support member 43.Moreover, the mating flange 44 is secured to the frame member 16 by amating flange support member 49. The mating flange support member iscylindrical in shape, and is welded at a first end to the frame member16, and at a second end to the mating flange 44.

Collectively, the mating flange 44 and the mating flange support member49 form a weld group 46. As shown in FIG. 8, the weld group 46 is weldedto both the frame member 16 and the frame support member 43. Thiswelding configuration provides the structural strength necessary tosupport the cab riser apparatus 14 and the cab 12 during the use of thetractor 10.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a cross sectional view similarto FIG. 8, but also including the bracket member 24. The flange 42 ofthe bracket member 24 is coupled to the weld group 46 with a pluralityof bolts 47. The bolts 47 are received into the holes 36 of the flange42 (FIG. 5) and are secured into the holes 45 of the mating flange 44(FIG. 6). Collectively, the bracket member 24, the flange 42, the bolts47, and the weld group 46 form a bracket assembly 41 as shown in FIG. 9.

The fabrication of the tractor 10 is simplified by the use of separate,discrete components. In particular, the frames 16, 56 and the framesupport member 43 are of a configuration commonly used on other currenttractor designs. A sub-assembly is formed by welding the mating flange44 to the mating flange support member 49 to create the weld group 46,as described above. Thereafter, the weld group 46 is welded to the framemember 16 and the frame support member 43 as shown in FIGS. 6-9.

Subsequently, during a final assembly process, the bracket member 24 isfastened to the weld group 46 as shown in FIG. 9. Thereafter, theremaining components of the cab riser apparatus 14, i.e. the supportarms 28, 30 and the hydraulic cylinder 26, are coupled to the bracketmember 24 and the brace 32 (see FIG. 3).

The aforementioned fabrication process reduces the cost associated withthe construction of the tractor 10. In particular, a separate framemember 16, with the bracket member 24 integrated therein, does not needto be designed, but rather the same frame member 16 can be used intractors which contain a cab riser apparatus, and those tractors whichdo not contain such apparatus.

Moreover, the use of a separate, discrete bracket member 24 enhances thematerial handling flow during the tractor manufacturing process. Inparticular, a frame with an integrated bracket member, is more difficultand cumbersome to move throughout the manufacturing plant than is theframe member 16 of the present invention, wherein only the welding group46 is attached to the frame member 16 prior to final assembly.

Further, the angle of the bracket member 24 relative to the frame member16 may be altered to facilitate the proper operation of the cab risingapparatus 14. In particular, the bolts 47 (FIG. 9) can be removed fromthe flange 42, thereby allowing the bracket member 24 to be lifted awayfrom the mating flange 44. The flange 42 may then be rotated in either aclockwise or counter-clockwise direction in increments defined by thelocations wherein the holes 36 and the holes 45 align. Thereafter, thebolts 47 may be reinstalled, as shown in FIG. 9. On the contrary, theangle of the bracket member relative to the frame may not be adjustedeasily on known tractor designs wherein the bracket member is integratedin the frame.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description isto be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tractor having a tractor cab which is movablerelative to a tractor body, comprising:a frame member mounted in saidtractor body; a first mounting member secured to said frame member, saidfirst mounting member including a plurality of first apertures; abracket for supporting a cab riser apparatus thereon, said cab riserapparatus being capable of moving said tractor cab relative to saidtractor body; and a second mounting member secured to said bracket, saidsecond mounting member including a plurality of second apertures whichalign with said plurality of first apertures, wherein (i) said firstmounting member includes a first disk having a substantially circularshape, containing said plurality of first apertures and (ii) said secondmounting member includes a second disk having a substantially circularshape containing said plurality of second apertures.
 2. The tractor ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of bolts which are positionablewithin said plurality of first apertures and said plurality of secondapertures.
 3. The tractor of claim 1, wherein:said bracket includes afirst end and a second end, said first end of said bracket is secured tosaid cab riser apparatus, and said second end of said bracket is securedto said second mounting member.
 4. The tractor of claim 1, wherein saidfirst mounting member is spaced apart from said frame member by asupport member.
 5. A tractor having a tractor cab which is movablerelative to a tractor body, comprising:a frame member mounted in saidtractor body; a first mounting member secured to said frame member; abracket for supporting a cab riser apparatus thereon, said cab riserapparatus being capable of moving said tractor cab relative to saidtractor body; a second mounting member secured to said bracket; andmeans for securing said first mounting member to said second mountingmember, wherein (i) said first mounting member includes a first diskhaving a substantially circular shape, containing said plurality offirst apertures and (ii) said second mounting member includes a seconddisk having a substantially circular shape containing said plurality ofsecond apertures.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said securingmeans includes:a plurality of first apertures defined in said firstmounting member, a plurality of second apertures defined in said secondmounting member, and a plurality of bolts which are positionable withinsaid plurality of first apertures and said plurality of secondapertures.
 7. The tractor of claim 5, wherein:said bracket includes afirst end and a second end, said first end of said bracket is secured tosaid cab riser apparatus, and said second end of said bracket is securedto said second mounting member.
 8. The tractor of claim 5, wherein saidfirst mounting member is spaced apart from said frame member by asupport member.
 9. A method of mounting a bracket onto a frame member ofa tractor body, with the bracket being used to support a cab riserapparatus thereon, and further with the cab riser apparatus beingcapable of moving a tractor cab relative to the tractor body, comprisingthe steps of:attaching a first mounting member to the frame member;attaching a second mounting member to the bracket; securing the firstmounting member to the second mounting member at a first orientation;separating the first mounting member from the second mounting memberafter the securing step; and re-securing the first mounting member tothe second mounting member at a second orientation which is differentfrom the first orientation.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thesecuring step includes the step of bolting the first mounting member tothe second mounting member.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein:thefirst mounting member has a plurality of first apertures defined thereinand the second mounting member has a plurality of second aperturestherein, and the bolting step includes the step of securing a pluralityof bolts in the plurality of first apertures and the plurality of secondapertures.